The major differences I have found have been that 6 row has higher diastatic power, meaning it can convert more starch to sugar if used with a grain lacking diastatic power from being kilned higher and 6 row has more husk per unit volume making it a good choice when mashing with wheat or rye which wants to be sticky. The extra husk forms a better filter bed.

The major differences I have found have been that 6 row has higher diastatic power, meaning it can convert more starch to sugar if used with a grain lacking diastatic power from being kilned higher and 6 row has more husk per unit volume making it a good choice when mashing with wheat or rye which wants to be sticky. The extra husk forms a better filter bed.